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| Auckland, New Zealand |  Review on September 21, 2016: |
rok1213
Rating:  | Review Topic: IR-1/CR-1 Visa
Everyone has had fabulous reviews about the whole process here. I however, had a mixed experience.
Prior to my interview, I sent multiple emails and usually got a quick reply (from someone that either didn't sign their name, or NOT B), but twice didn't get a reply at all. I thought B would be dealing with me since she sent the first email - but, all the times, like I said it was someone else responding. So, anyways, it seems I was talking with other people - not just B. This is important as I will explain later.
I felt they weren't so organized in terms of checking my documents/case. I was under the impression that they had everything I needed due to their not getting in touch with me about anything outstanding. I'm from Wellington, so I had to go to Auckland the day before my interview. I had left Wellington, and on arrival in Auckland, I get an email from B - saying she just looked over our file that day (amazing to me, since my interview was the very next day!) anyways, she was asking if my husband could provide/scan a document. We were not happy at this last min request! Anyways, my husband and I both emailed her..which apparently cleared it up, so she said it was sorted - no need, and all is clear on their end. So anyways, she said everything is good, and I felt that was all done and good. Interview day: B goes through my docs etc...and then says I need to apply for an NZ police check because I sent the wrong one. I then took out my email correspondence to show her that someone from their office had replied to my email saying that they already had mine on file (from when I applied for one for the NVC). She then went to check at her desk, and came back saying she doesn't have it - the lady that worked with that stuff changed, and so it would be faster if I just applied for a new one. She then went on to try reassure me that it would be fast, no problem...but just that I would be 'denied' a visa today because they need my police check. I was not happy to hear that!!! But, there was nothing I could do at that point - don't argue with them is what I heard! So anyways, the interview itself was straight forward. The guy asked: Where and how did you meet? When did you get married? What does your husband do in the States? And then he proceeded to say they're waiting for the police check because I didn't get it? I told him they misplaced it lol... anyways, honestly, he wasn't that friendly...and I wasn't really happy knowing I wasn't getting the official 'approved' that day. So, I left with a 'conditional approval'.
According to my experience:
Pros: True to previous reviewers, B was extremely friendly in person!
Cons: B emailed me the day before my interview asking for a document. It blew my mind that she/they were just going over our documents the day before!
- other people dealt with me via email...which is probably why B wasn't aware of the fact her office said I didn't need to do another NZ police check application
But, happy ending...I got my passport with visa etc 2 business days later! So despite their muck up, they delivered it quickly...to which I'm ever grateful.
So, for those of you who are yet to go through this, apply for the NZ police cert again, even if they say you don't need it! Better to have an approval on that day as opposed to 'conditional'.
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #20465